Matheson needn’t be so humble

Olympic bronze a game-changer, Sports Aug. 26

The Star’s full-page spread paying tribute to Diana Matheson’s soccer prowess is a wonderful and most fitting story, which the public should know and hear about.

When she states that comparing her goal to one of the famous hockey goals as “a little ridiculous” and belittling herself by stating, “I mean, it’s Sidney Crosby,” I would humbly challenge her and remind her of what she has achieved as an amateur athlete.

Her years of dedication, training while completing her degree, giving up career prospects and social events as a young teenager, all for the glory of wearing the red and white for Canada.

While not wanting to take anything away from Sydney and the other lads, their path is about the draft and the contract and the millions of dollars they make. Crosby could stop playing tomorrow and he’s set for life. Matheson could blow her knee out in the next game and she would hobble away with nothing.

It’s not about comparison, Diana. I would encourage you not to think of yourself as any less a brilliant athlete than any male, no matter who they are or what their sport.